Scottish Welfare Fund
Reviews
Brian McCaskell
Welfare Fund Manager
Background
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Initially customers are given a letter
explaining timescales for appealing if
grant refused
Both Crisis Grants/Community Care Grants
can be appealed within 20 working
days/must be in writing
Discretion can be given if appeal out with
timescales if reasonable circumstances
given
1st tier/2nd tier levels of appeals
Reviews
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If applicant not happy with outcome of a SWF decision
they can request a Review because –
Insufficient information was gathered during the
application process
The priority level allocated to their application was not
appropriate
Them not agreeing that the support they have been
provided is appropriate to their needs
Them not agreeing with the decision on eligibility
Application been refused on the grounds that there is
insufficient evidence, but applicant feels there was
Timescales
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All 1st Tier reviews must be dealt with in
same timescales
Crisis Grants = 2 working Days.
Community Care Grants = 15 Working
Days
A different decision maker reviews
decision made in line with government
guidance and CEC Procedures
2nd Tier Reviews
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Appeal must be made within 20 working
days of the 1st Tier decision
Be made in writing, include any new
evidence and explain reason for appeal
Is held by an Independent Review Panel
Crisis Grant – Held within 5 Working Days
Community Care Grants – Held within 30
Working Days
Independent Review Panel
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Volunteers asked for from all Council
Departments
Over 30 people expressed interest
Training carried out in 3 half day sessions
Overview of SWF Fund and workshop style
presentations made by Team
Manager/Development staff
Progress
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To date approx 14 2nd Tier Reviews held
13 Community Care Grants, 1 Crisis Grant
Panel of 3 in attendance as much as
possible
Decision made and customer advised
within a few days
Feedback from Panel Members
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Training given was very good and used
real examples
SWF Staff are always available when
Review Panel meet in case of any query
Submissions to the panel are excellent and
clear
Revised Guidance was circulated to all
panel members with a brief update
Summary
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Enough Panel members in place to ensure
not too great a burden
Panel Members feedback regularly
Decisions made fairly and in line with
Guidance
SWF Submissions clear and informative
Decisions by Panel Members consistent
and in line with guidance.
Scottish Welfare Fund
Reviews
Any Questions?